A nice, but by no means assertive, rye spiciness pairs nicely with the aggressive sweetness of the red malt found in this nineteenth volume of Terrapin Side Projects. Billowing around those elements is a slightly winey yeast funk, which—though it may be partially a result of this beer having aged about ten months after purchase—is not surprising given the healthy sediment that pours with this ale.

Still, despite the potentially suboptimal aging prior to consumption, the sharpness of the mosaic hops cannot be altogether held down, and this pleasing bitterness cuts across the other components of the flavor-profile to clean everything out as best it can; likewise, although mellowed, a clean quasi-sour florality peeks through too. Unfortunately, many of these notes have not been retained in the nose, which has—as aforementioned—taken on a boozy, wine-like carriage, due to the highly sweet malt content and the additional bottle-conditioning.

Having previously had a bottle of this Side Project in a fresher state, but having failed to take anything in the way of notes, I can nonetheless write that—though cellaring might not be ideal—at least some of the better qualities aren't utterly devastated by time.